Local derby had to be cancelled after both clubs forgot to book match officials!

WE’VE already seen a few strange cancellations this close season, including teams turning up on the day of a game to say the pitch isn’t good enough before returning home.

Then last Tuesday night a summer storm ended Harrow’s trip to Burnham during the second half.

But there was an even more bizarre reason why one friendly match didn’t go ahead last Saturday. There was high hopes for a good local game as Rochester United played host to Rochester City.

Southern Counties East League United were hoping to put one over their Kent Division Two rivals and all the players were set for action.

But while the kits were washed, the half-time oranges were sliced and the balls pumped up, there was one thing that the clubs didn’t do….. book some match officials!

The teams turned up and got their warm up started but by the time kick-off approached, there were some noticeable absentees.

With neither club in a position to put forward a referee they admitted defeat and had a training session instead.

There were a number of teams not in a position to play last week. An injury crisis put paid to a number of games, including Tranmere Rovers’ match at Ashton United on Saturday, North Ferriby United’s game at Ossett Town, Havant & Waterlooville visit to AFC Totton, and Farnborough‘s trip to Whyteleafe.